Alfredsson defers $200,000 to make room for trade.

Sources yesterday confirmed Alfredsson has agreed to defer $200,000 of his salary to clear money in the budget if the club wants to add a player before next Tuesday’s NHL trade deadline. While Alfredsson couldn’t be reached for comment last night and his agent J.P. Barry of IMG Hockey wouldn’t confirm the decision, it’s believed Alfredsson will up his base salary to $5.15 million (all terms US) next year, which means the money is guaranteed.

With the Senators in bankruptcy protection and the club up for sale, Alfredsson’s decision allows the club to free up money without having to subtract anything from the current roster.

“I’d really rather not comment on it,” said Barry from his Calgary office. “All I can say is that Daniel Alfredsson wants to win a Stanley Cup in Ottawa and he’ll do whatever it takes for that team to be successful.”